ahhh you guys are so nice ! thank you all for your nice reviews, you're the best! i'm going to try and remember to add review thanks at the end of all chapters because it's the least i can do to thank you all!

there'll be mentions of homophobia/mental and physical abuse in this chapter so tread carefully if that bothers you!

chapter track: hold it in - jukebox the ghost


Chapter 3: I'm in love

I can't stop thinking about what Craig said today.

He loves me. He loves me. He loves me. Craig Tucker LOVES me!

Or at least he said he likes me a lot.

I've been repeating what he said in my mind like a broken record.

I don't think I've ever been this happy.

My one issue is my reaction though, I think. It was all fine until I decided to start making high pitched noises and fell off the bench.

Followed my me running into the lunchroom and through to the bathroom. With my face red. Still making high pitched noises.

Fuck. Craig probably thinks I'm stupid or something. He probably doesn't even like me anymore.

He did hold my hand on the ride home, though.

I don't think his mom liked that.

As soon as I closed the car door when I was dropped off I'm pretty sure I made out a clear "people are going to think you're gay" before walking through the door. Some slurs came after that. I didn't look behind me, but I think he flipped her off.

I never liked how Craig's family treated him.

I've never really been over his house much because not even he likes his family, but the one time I had a sleepover with him I can remember what his dad said to him clearly.

"Jesus fucking christ Craig, if you don't stop hanging out with that twitchy ass friend of yours people are gonna think you're a fag. You're already a useless piece of shit, I don't need my son being any lower than that."

I want to love Craig more than his family has been able to.


After getting home, I quickly and excitedly told my mom about what happened today. She's always known I've had a crush on him, but I never thought it would be requited.

"Oh, honey, that's wonderful!" Her lips softly parted into a smile and she hugged me. I smiled too. "I doubt his mother took it lightly, though."

"Agh!- N-No, she didn't..."

"That's too bad… I wish Laura was more understanding. Oh, well…" She sighs. "I'm glad you have a boyfriend now, though! I'm so, so happy for you, Tweek."

Boyfriend.

I smiled.

I quickly ran up to my room, shut my door behind me, and face planted into my bed. I yelled into my favorite star pillow because, god, today was a great day.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

Oh fuck. I forgot I didn't check my phone all day after I ran off to the bathroom. I had notifications from nearly everyone I had traded numbers with.

I tapped Craig's name first.

From craig: Why did you run

From craig: Are you okay

From craig: I'm sorry

-From 2:24:56 PM-

From craig: Are you ignoring my texts

From craig: You seemed fine in the car

Shit.

To craig: ffuck im sorry i was to o scared to check my pho ne and s ee your response

To craig: u m. i guess it's approp riat e to tell you that i feel the same way

To craig: i've kind of . fel t the same wa y for a long time.

To craig: like. earl y 5th gr ade long time.

To craig: th e only reason why i reacted the wa y i did w as because i was re ally really happy

I exhaled. My heart was beating really quickly.

I looked at all of my other texts.

From token: You okay? What happened during lunch today?

From clyde: did craig finally tell you hes gay for you

From kenny: what the fuck. what happened today?

At this point I don't bother responding to anyone but Craig. I can explain to everyone in bulk later.

Craig's the one that matters the most right now.

From craig: Thats okay

From craig: I'm glad you're okay

From craig: I'm really glad you feel the same way too

I smiled. It's weird to see Craig actually expressing emotions like these, but it's kind of nice.

From craig: I love you

I smiled even more.

My face probably flushed red again, but that doesn't matter right now.

To craig: i l ov e you too

I dropped my phone on my bed and fell back on my pillow. I felt so happy. Fuck, I feel so happy I might actually cry. My screen lit up again.

From craig: Can I stay the night

From craig: Sorry if that's sudden

To craig: ye ah of course! ho w come?

From craig: Dad won't leave me alone

From craig: I'll be over in a minute

Now I start to worry. Thomas Tucker isn't exactly a gentle fellow, especially when it comes to this stuff.

I hope he's okay.

It's not even a minute and Craig's already at the doorstep ringing the doorbell.

"Honey, your boyfriend is here!" My mom calls up the staircase.

I wonder if he was waiting out there before even asking.

I really hope he's okay.

I ran downstairs and took a deep breath. As I opened the door, I went to choke out a small 'hey', but before I even got the chance he kissed me.

I've never kissed anyone. Until now, at least.

He pulls away.

"Hey," He said softly.

I don't respond or, rather, I can't. My eyes are wide, both as a response to what just happened, and also the sight of his eye.

It's bruised and swollen. Both of them seem red and watery.

"Craig h-holy shit- Ack!- what happened?!"

"...Can we go to your room first," The tone of his voice seemed to drop two tones.

I nod.


Upon entering my room, Craig both closes and locks me door. He has absolutely nothing with him besides his bruised eye. I can't help but worry. I worry so fucking much. I know there's always been a reason to hate his family. Please, please be okay.

He sits on my bed and puts his head in his hands. His entire body begins to shake and he begins to cry.

This is the first time I've ever seen him cry.

I sat next to him and began shaking. Fuck. What the fuck did he do to him.

"He beat me! He fucking beat me!" His voice was shaky, and for once actually showed obvious emotion. "Who the fuck beats their son?"

"D-Dude… That's- Agh!- fucked up." I was actually lost for words. He can't go home. I won't let him go back to that family. "Y-You shouldn't go back there."

"But where else am I supposed to go?" His face was drenched in tears.

"S-Stay here?"

"Do you think- sniff- your mom would be okay with that?"

"I-I'm going to go ask. D-Do you want me t-to- Erk!- get you ice?"

"Yeah. Thanks, Tweek."

He kissed me again.

If his family won't love him, I will.


special thanks to my reviewers: lucy (icouldbutwhyevenbother), sam (lilykinz200), andy, and midnightluve! you guys are the best!